Analysis of Risk Factors for Cytomegalovirus Corneal Infection

Objectives: The present study assessed the risk factors for cytomegalovirus (CMV) corneal infection and compared the odds ratios.Methods: This study was a retrospective case-control study (2014.12–2021.1) over a 6-year period. We reviewed the medical record data and compared the differences between the CMV-positive and virus-negative groups with regard to sex, age, first diagnosis, and ocular complications to identify factors that may be associated with CMV corneal infections. The risk factors for CMV corneal infection were analysed using the chi-squared test and binary logistic regression models.Results: Ninety CMV-positive cases and 151 virus-negative controls were involved in this study. The risk factors for CMV corneal infection were Stevens-Johnson syndrome ocular complication (OR 12.851, 95%CI, 1.435–111.111; P=0.000), a penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) (OR 4.950, 95%CI, 2.632–9.346; P=0.024, and an anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) (OR 5.290, 95%CI, 1.250–22.222; P=0.022).Conclusion: Severe corneal damage (PKP or DALK) and a severe corneal inflammatory response (SJS ocular complication) may be risk factors for CMV corneal infections.